Question to someone new to Bill Adam's approach

[thesplitmeister]

Hi there,
I've recently discovered this forum and, using research on some of the threads and research through google I've recently started implement some of Bill Adams approaches and routines into my playing.
I really like the focus on air, the focus on energising the air stream and the quantity used. I do wonder how this applies to quiet playing however. Have I missed something and gone down a cul-de-sac?
Any help you can offer is gratefully recieved

[PH]

First of all. No "s". William Adam.

As far as quiet playing, it's the same thing. To play quieter we imagine the sound of the music more quietly. the unconscious mind takes care of the rest.

Playing softly is not a restraining, holding back or any sort of negative dynamic. Master playing with a beautiful sound and free delivery of the flowing air in the comfortable register with mostly slurred and legato articulation. Then carry that beautiful sound into all registers, dynamics, articulations and other contexts as the music dictates.

But, mastering playing with a full, rich beautiful sound is job one.
_________________
Bach trumpet artist-clinician
Professor of Jazz Studies, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Faculty Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops since 1976

[srbeaton]

PH
Hilarious grasshopper.....................I think you helped him alot

[abontrumpet]

Hello!

Harbison has a greater knowledge than I do on this and default to his advice. I just wanted to offer my experience in my quest of great trumpet playing (the "Adam" way).

While there is talk about air...we have to remember SOUND is paramount in our thought. We have to imagine the most beautiful sound and the air is the FUEL for that sound. There have been brief periods of time where I mixed those two up and put air before sound (with terrible results). Long story short...you can think about air, but remember sound is first...not the other way around.

[PH]

abontrumpet-

TH needs a "like" button.
_________________
Bach trumpet artist-clinician
Professor of Jazz Studies, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Faculty Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops since 1976